WITH PROFESSIONAL HELP, A PERSON WHO IS SUICIDAL CAN GET BETTER.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among teenagers. But it doesn’t have to be!

If you or a friend show any of these warning signs, tell someone who can help. Also, remember that the first step in stopping suicide is to have the person promise, “If I feel like I'm going to kill myself, I will call a trusted friend or a hotline first."

Note: Most people don't think of suicide "out of the blue." People usually consider it as an option when their problems keep stacking up and they feel unable to solve them.

If you or a friend is thinking about suicide, call 2-1-1 Suicide Hotline or one of these numbers:

*Also see “Counseling” pages 26-28. Other

It’s Ok to ask for helpCall 2-1-1 or Text

Nonsuicidal self-injury, often simply called self-injury, is the act of deliberately harming your own body, such as cutting or burning yourself. It's typically not meant as a suicide attempt. Rather, this type of self-injury is a harmful way to cope with emotional pain, intense anger and frustration. (Following section: Mayo Clinic)

While self-injury may bring a momentary sense of calm and a release of tension, it's usually followed by guilt and shame and the return of painful emotions. Although life-threatening injuries are usually not intended, with self-injury comes the possibility of moreserious and even fatal self-aggressive actions.

NOTE: Get Emergency Help if you’ve injured yourself severely or believe your injury may be life-threatening Or if you attempt suicide, Call 9-1-1!

Getting appropriate treatment can help you learn healthier ways to cope!

Signs and symptoms of self-injury may include:

 Scars, often in patterns

 Fresh cuts, scratches, bruises, bite marks or other wounds

 Excessive rubbing of an area to create a burn

 Keeping sharp objects on hand

 Wearing long sleeves or long pants, even in hot weather

 Frequent reports of accidental injury

 Difficulties in interpersonal relationships

 Behavioral and emotional instability, impulsivity and unpredictability

 Statements of helplessness, hopelessness or worthlessness

Causes- No single or simple cause but may result from: inability to cope in healthy ways to psychological pain; difficulty in regulating, expressing or understanding emotions; feelings of worthlessness, loneliness, panic, anger, guilt, rejection, self-hatred or questioning sexuality.

Risk factors include: having friends who self-injure; life issues; mental health concerns; alcohol or drug use.

Forms of self-injury

Self-injury usually occurs in private and is done in a controlled or ritualistic manner that often leaves a pattern on the skin. Examples of self-harm include:

 Cutting (cuts or severe scratches with a sharp object)

 Scratching

 Burning (with lit matches, cigarettes or heated, sharp objects such as knives)

 Carving words or symbols on the skin

 Self-hitting, punching or head banging

 Piercing the skin with sharp objects

 Inserting objects under the skin

Most frequently, the arms, legs and front of the torso are the targets of self-injury, but any area of the body may be used for self-injury. People who self-injure may use more than one method to harm themselves.

When a friend or loved one self-injures

If you have a friend or loved one who is self-injuring, you may be shocked and scared. Take all talk of self-injury seriously. Although you might feel that you'd be betraying a confidence, self-injury is too big a problem to ignore or to deal with alone. Here are some ways to help.

-Your child. You can start by consulting your pediatrician or other health care provider who can provide an initial evaluation or a referral to a mental health professional. Express your concern, but don't yell at your child or make threats or accusations.

-Preteen or teenage friend. Suggest that your friend talk to parents, a teacher, a school counselor or another trusted adult.

-Adult. Gently express your concern and encourage the person to seek medical and mental health treatment.

Becoming upset can trigger an urge to self-injure. Many people self-injure only a few times and then stop. But for others, self-injury can become a long-term, repetitive behavior. Treatment can bring hope!

Through self-injury, the person may be trying to:

 Manage or reduce severe distress or anxiety and provide a sense of relief

 Provide a distraction from painful emotions through physical pain

 Feel a sense of control over his or her body, feelings, or life situations

 Feel something — anything — even if it's physical pain, when feeling emotionally empty

 Express internal feelings in an external way

 Communicate depression or distressful feelings to the outside world

 Be punished for perceived faults

Prevention: There is no sure way to prevent your loved one's selfinjuring behavior. But reducing the risk of self-injury includes strategies that involve both individuals and communities. Parents, family members, teachers, school nurses, coaches or friends can help.

Identify someone at risk and offer help. Someone at risk can be taught resilience and healthy coping skills that can be used during periods of distress.

Encourage expansion of social networks. Many people who self-injure feel lonely and disconnected. Helping someone form connections to people who don't self-injure can improve relationship and communication skills. Raise awareness. Learn about the warning signs of self-injury and what to do when you suspect it.

Encourage peers to seek help. Peers tend to be loyal to friends. Encourage children, teens and young adults to avoid secrecy and reach out for help if they have a concern about a friend or loved one.

Talk about media influence. News media, music and other highly visible outlets that feature self-injury may nudge vulnerable children and young adults to experiment. Teaching children critical thinking skills about the influences around them might reduce the harmful impact.

Solving Problems One At A Time

One way to stop feeling hopeless and overwhelmed is to learn how to solve your problems one at a time and find ways to cope with the ones you can't solve. Here's how to do it:

 Identify one problem you may be having at home, school, work, or within a relationship. Identify and accept the way this problem is making you feel (angry, scared, embarrassed, confused, etc.).

 Write down all of the possible solutions to the problem. (List everything you can think of, even if it seems silly or impossible!)

 Evaluate your solutions by answering yes or no to the following questions: Is it safe? Will the situation be improved? Will the outcome further my self-respect?

 Cross out those solutions that will add more problems to your life. Circle those solutions that fit the "yes" category in the questions above.

 Choose one of the solutions that fit the above guidelines and try it! Remember, if a solution does not work, you can always try another. Read Sean Covey’s 7 Habits for Teens.

Don’t be afraid to ask for suggestions from people you respect

Things To Do

You deserve to have fun! Sports, social clubs, school or church activities or volunteering are just a few examples of how you can meet new friends, learn new skills, and have fun, too. Doing new things can be exciting and sometimes scary at the same time, but it gets easier once you get involved. There are places throughout the county that offer programs especially for young people. Some of them are listed here. Call and ask for more information. If they don't offer what you're looking for, ask them if they know of someone who does. Also ask about any virtual classes or activities.

Youth Activities (also ask about any virtual offerings)

Visit your local Youth Empowerment Center: drop-in centers for middle and high school youth to chill or get involved in youthselected programming that may include digital audio-visual, hip hop, zumba, career exploration and more. Designed by teens for teens:

(PBC) Lake Worth YEC ..................................................

(PBC)Riviera Beach YEC ................................................

(SAC) Belle Glade YEC- *Student Aces Center .............

557-1184

840-0135

*Academics/tutoring, leadership, health, wellness, life & workforce skills. Also look into your community rec center as many PBC cities like Delray Beach and West Palm Beach have programs geared towards teens or may have a Youth Empowerment program.

Cultural Opportunities

Parks And Recreation

There are park departments all over the county that provide year-round activities. To find out about the status of certain park or recreation center's activities, call:

Everybody gets angry sometimes, but this is not an excuse to become violent. People always have a choice as to how they react to any given situation. The use of violence, or to choose not to use violence to solve problems are choices that you make. No one deserves to be put down, called names, cursed at, punched, kicked or hurt in any other way, regardless of their age, gender or sexual orientation.

If you or someone you know is being abused, or if you know an abuser, it is important that they get help as soon as possible because the wounds cannot heal until the abuse stops!

The following are some of the actions and physical signs that are considered abuse and should be reported to the

Warning Signs of Abuse

The abuser may be:

 Isolating you from friends, family or outside activities

 Calling, texting or emailing to constantly track your behavior and location

 Checking your phone and email to track who you are talking to and what you are saying

 Calling you names, putting you down

 Harassing, excessively bothering you with unwanted verbal or physical conduct

 Threatening physical injury or harm

These are also some of the same things that people experience when they are victims of Human Trafficking:

If YOU are in immediate danger of HT text "BeFree” (233733) Or Call the Human Trafficking Hotline : 1-888-373-7888 away by going to a neighbor's or a relative's house--anywhere you feel safe. Call 9-1-1 for police assistance.

If there is no emergency, but you are afraid of being hurt by a friend, dating partner or family member, talk about it with someone you trust, or call 2-1-1 or text to TXT211 (898211) or call one of the numbers listed on the next page.

It is common to have mixed feelings about someone who is violent toward you. Talk to someone who will believe you… It helps!

Committed Men:iftherearetimeswhenyoufeellikeyou're losing control andresortingtotheabusivebehaviors,thereare peoplewhocanteachyouhealthierwaystodealwithyour stress,tension,angerorneedtocontrolothers.

Become an ally for women…you can make a difference. You can break the cycle of violence: call 1-(800) 355-8547 also visit to learn more: www.avdaonline.org/committed-men

Physical Signs of Abuse that should be reported immediately to an adult

 Punching, kicking, beating,

 Burning, choking, or suffocating

 Physical restraint by another person or with rope, wire, cord, etc.

 Any other form of abuse that results in physical injury

If you are in immediate danger call 9-1-1 For help or more information, call: if you want to talk

Using or not using violence is ALWAYS YOUR CHOICE. Call 2-1-1 for anger management help or call:

*Organizations can also sponsor an onsite class (10 or more youth)

Volunteering is a way that you can use your special talents to help other people. Volunteering also promotes responsibility, trustworthiness, caring for others, and helps build stronger community ties. You can learn a lot, too! Acquiring new skills and increased exposure to leadership and career possibilities are just a few of the rewards. You might volunteer at a church, hospital, nursing home, or one of the agencies listed in this booklet. Volunteer are a graduation requirement at most high schools.

211 Community Awareness Volunteers welcomes teens interested in volunteering to help promote 211 as a valuable problem solving tool to other teens, teachers, administrators, family members, in school and out at community events. Email: info@211pbtc.org

Need to volunteer- Communities in Schools can help you find a volunteer opportunity that will be a good fit for you! Call their friendly staff @ (561) 471-9681.

The United Way of Palm Beach County maintains a listing of various volunteer projects and opportunities for people who want to give back to their community. For more information, visit: www.unitedwaypbc.org Volunteering . . . Just Feels Good!

Your Right To Vote

If you are eighteen years old, a U.S. citizen, and legal resident of Florida you may register to vote. If you are sixteen years old you may pre-register and receive your card in the mail after your 18th birthday. Also note: if you get your drivers license at 16 or 17, you can check the box for voter registration & automatically be pre-registered or if you are 18 and older, you will be registered to vote. More info visit: www.pbcelections.org or call (561) 656-6200.

The League of Women Voters of PBC is a great place for anyone to get non-partisan information on candidates and public policy at www.lwvpbc.org or call (561) 276-4898 or facebook.com/lwv

Without Partners Chapter 280 (WPB)

F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

Ruth and Norman Rales Jewish Family Service (JFS)